Satsangs

Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.~James Swartz

Enlightenment is not very dramatic. It is simply finally recognizing clearly who I am.

First Understanding

I am not any of the objects or experiences that arise in me. To simply being able to see what I am and what I am not is enlightenment.

I Am

I am ordinary, everywhere to be found every day. I am actionless – every action is only arising in me and apparently is done through me, but not by me. I am limitless – because I am never not here. I am awareness.

I am.

Second Understanding

It only apparently seems paradoxical to the first understanding. I shine through all the objects that arise in me. I am not them, but in a certain way I am shining in them, making them live.

In every face, every tree, every table, ever chair, every object, every living being that arises in me, I can see myself shining, looking back at myself.

Tears of love and joy are sometimes flooding my face, triggered by this second understanding. This is love. Unconditional. I am looking at myself in everything.

I love myself. It is a shining world. I am shining in everything.

Vasanas

There is work to be done, and it is happening and it may take its time. Vasanas are being burned. Fears come up, but the knowledge does the job. For small things that come up, a mantra has created itself and appears in my mind, without any doing. This mantra has appeared on its own, and it is nullifying remaining small fears and desires:

For decisions/fears which at first glance appear “larger” (such as the ones that could affect the financial security of my wife and my children), a karma yoga attitude has cleaned up such fears and transformed those to gratitude and love.

Vedanta

I love Vedanta, and I will continue to study it. I am reading the Bhagavad Gita and the commentaries of Swami Dayanada, and it is a joy. I am also watching your Vivekachoodamani DVDs. I love the beauty of Vedanta, the logic and brilliance of it.

Dharma

I want to learn and study more about dharma. I have found via Google that there is a Dharma Shastra. Is there any scripture or books that you would recommend to a householder?

James: I think the Purna Vidya book may give you some resources in this area. Maybe you can write to Swamini Pramananda.

Tan: My deepest thanks to Bhagavan, who led me to you and Vedanta. I wish… and leave it to the Lord… that we may see each other again some beautiful day.

~ With love and gratitude, Tan

James: It was great to meet you, Tan. I am so happy that Bhagavan led you to Vedanta, and that it fulfilled its promise.

Contacting Shining World

For years I have happily and diligently responded to communications on the topic of Self realization. Since the publication of my book, “How to Attain Enlightenment”— currently in its third printing —and the success of this website, the volume of emails has increased considerably. Unfortunately, owing to a busy schedule of teaching and writing, I am no longer able to answer all the emails I receive in a timely fashion. However, my wife, who is also a teacher, and several well-qualified teachers we have endorsed are available to answer emails on my behalf. I encourage you to send them your questions.
— James SwartzContact Us